So if you haven’t heard (not like I haven’t reblogged, or Twittered, or Facebooked about it) I won the 1st AJ Hayes Memorial Writing contest.

The only thing I’ve won prior to this was third place in my age group at a local 5K – so understand, I’m sort of hyped about this.

I’m not fortunate enough to have known AJ (Bill) Hayes, but based solely on the respect given to him in the crime writing community, I’d like to imagine that he would have gotten a real kick at where I placed him in my story. If there’s one thing I’m learning about the crime/noir writing community; it’s there are a lot of talented and genuinely awesome people involved.

Anyway, please do me a favor and check out the winning stories:

3rd Place: Jen Conley THE REPAIRMAN

2nd Place: Ray Nessly THE BALLAD OF BILLY HAYES

1st Place: Angel Luis Colon SHOTGUN WEDDING

I’m really proud of this piece and genuinely shocked to have beaten what I think are really, truly excellent stories.

Anyway, enjoy!

Angel